Chelsea Piers Back Open After Harrowing Post-Sandy Restoration

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Chelsea Piers was brand spanking new from top to bottom after repairs following Superstorm Sandy, from the padding in the gymnastics area to the basketball court.

Storm surge from Superstorm Sandy flooded the 28-acre complex with about five feet of water, causing extensive damage to the electrical system.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reports

But after more than a month of repairs, all of the attractions at the waterfront facility, with the exception of the Golf Club, reopened on Saturday. The Golf Club will remain closed until Dec. 15.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported Janet from New Jersey started to cry when she walked in.

"It has been a long journey for us," Janet said. "My daughter is a level seven gymnast, and we spend 20 hours a week here, and so for us, this was a major part of her life, and our lives, that was disrupted."

A mother of two said it has been hard the last few weeks because her family practically lives at the facility.

"We're here every Saturday and every Tuesday," she said. "It's our home away from home, so we are really excited to be back.

The cleanup and restoration was a challenge, chairman Roland Betts said Friday.

"Our employees on their own came in and just wanted to help," Chairman Roland Betts said of the rebuilding and restoration work. "The cleanup, which was totally disgusting, a lot of that was done by employees who otherwise would be gymnastics coaches or hockey coaches."

Extra precautions have been taken to prevent future flooding to the facility.

"Now we used different types of Sheetrock that is waterproof and mold-proof," Betts said. "Wherever possible we are raising stuff off the ground level."

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